The longer I live, the more convinced I become of how easy it is to allow irretrievable moments to slip away. I thought I learned this when Cynthia and I reared our four children. I’m finding it just as true now with our ten grandchildren. Regardless of our demanding schedules and in spite of our […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Parenting
The Plan in a Child’s Heart
A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. (Proverbs 20:5) To make this verse even more practical, let’s think of this “plan” in these terms: “A plan in the heart of a child is like deep water, but a parent of understanding draws […]
Read MoreThe Greatest Influence
Several years ago, someone interviewed the contemporary artist Marc Chagall for a PBS program. The young, arty interviewer started the session with a question about influences. His question was very long and involved and exhibited his own learning along the way, giving everybody, including Chagall, a lecture on the nature of influences on the artist. […]
Read MoreTeenagers Can Be Terrific Teachers
Teenagers are a unique group of people. They can text 4,000 words a second but can’t speak in complete sentences. They remember 8,000 e-mail addresses but claim memory loss on trash day. They sustain electric energy during all-night social events but become comatose at two-hour family functions. I have four teenagers. Four teenagers whose hormones […]
Read MoreSincere Faith at Home
I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:5) Paul knew Timothy’s heritage. He knew that the things that characterized the grandmother and the mother characterized Timothy. That’s the way sincere faith works. . . . Listen to this, moms! Please […]
Read MoreRoot of Rebellion
In a world hell-bent on having its own way, it is terribly difficult to cultivate the right attitude toward authority. The “QUESTION AUTHORITY!” mentality is so interwoven into the fabric of our society, it seems impossible to counteract it. Realistically, about the only place we can come to terms with it is in our homes. […]
Read MoreThe One Thing Your Father Needs
In an age of equal rights and equal time, it’s only fair to give dads equal attention. For a few minutes, I’d like you to think about your father—or, perhaps, about the predominant male role model in your youth. Meditate on what that one individual has contributed to your life. Think about his influence over […]
Read MoreThe Heartbeat of the Home
Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. (Proverbs 19:27) The birth of a child is not taken lightly by the Lord. Each one is significant. Each one is viewed by God as a transfer of love from His heart to the couple receiving the gift. God never […]
Read MoreTaking It Easy with Time and Touch
Maybe it’s because I just had another birthday. Maybe it’s because I’m a granddad several times over. Or maybe it’s because of a struggling young seminarian I met recently who wishes he had been higher on his parents’ priority list than, say, fifth or sixth. He was hurried and ignored through childhood, then tolerated and […]
Read MoreMother’s Day
If there’s one attitude families are guilty of more than any other when it comes to mothers, it’s presumption . . . taking them for granted . . . being nearly blind on occasion to the load moms carry. This was reinforced in my mind last week as I was thumbing through a row of […]
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